The tournament was originally championed by Sir Alex Ferguson, who oversaw United's first entry back in 1989, before David Beckham, Gary Neville, and Nicky Butt sampled success in United's triumphant 1991 squad.

Five-times winners United left organisers 'shocked and disappointed' by their decision to withdraw from this year's event last month, with The Reds citing 'pre-season training needs' behind their departure.

However, Milk Cup tournament chairman Victor Leonard has revealed organisers are in talks with the club and he is confident certain issues 'can be ironed out'.

"But there are issues with the club itself regarding knock-on effects with the age groups we get in the 18s, where those boys are now being pushed to the 21s and also into the senior section, where the club will be touring America and other parts of the world this year and players will be called into those panels.

"So there are issues but it's something that I'm very confident can be ironed out."

Ferguson's departure has left United's academy structure in a state of flux and the club's withdrawal 'let down' United's Northern Irish fans.

"It was something that came to us as a complete shock on Friday evening when I got a phone call from Mr John Alexander, who is the chief executive at Manchester United," organiser John Sandford said last month.

Despite boasting a huge fanbase in Northern Ireland, United have played just two friendlies there this century, against Glentoran and an Irish League XI.